The ugly dresser...

Thanks for all your input over my last post. It's a good thing that this is not a parenting blog! I know those of you who think I'm a meanie are right. And I appreciate the comments from like minded decorators who struggle with/refuse to please their kids. I'm convinced we can find common ground that will please us both. Connie was horrified at the bad pictures I showed you and said she was embarrassed and was going to delete my blog! So if I disappear you'll know why. She no longer wants sunshine yellow. Result! We will get there. I haven't quite finished painting the skirting boards yet! Can't rush these things...

Over the Easter hols I was under a self imposed DIY ban. I decided that I should down tools and we'd do fun things together and have days out. Well, I managed if for two weeks and then on the bank holiday weekend I cracked.

Remember the ugly dresser?

I started to replace the missing back. The plywood you see here isn't original!

Starting with the base unit, I clad the back with cheap new tongue and groove. It looked very new.

And even though this is inside the cupboard and I'm the only person who will see it, I needed to change it.

I made a strong solution of tea and painted it on the wood. It failed.

I added a small dollop of black acrylic paint to the mixture and tested it on my off cuts. It looked good.

I painted it on with one brush, and wiped it off with a dry brush.

Once it dried it looked like this...

 It's not an exact colour match but the pine will darken over time and it might get closer in colour then.
 I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It almost looks like it might be the original back now. With real filth.

I did the same treatment on the tongue and groove for the top part. You can see the difference it makes here...

 

It really gives a dirty old pallet wood look.

 I can't fit the back on yet as I need to sort the paintwork of the shelves first. I'm keeping the boards as wood as I thought it would be a nicer contrast with the white ironstone china. 

I sanded the counter top...

before

after

I cut the edges off so the dresser fits the wall now. 

 I drew round a glass to make the corners rounded and used the same paint and tea stain to make the newly cut edges the same colour as the old.

So we're getting there bit by bit.

I can do no more for now. My products turned up from the factory and have taken over the rest of the dining room!

Oh my goodness! I urgently need a bank account and an on line shop. So much to do! I can't wait to share with you but I want everything set up first. And pretty photos.

Can you guess what it is though? If you guess correctly I won't publish your comment. And Vix, you're not  allowed to play.

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